Impact and Initiatives

Hockey changes lives — starting with our own.

Hockey is deeply meaningful to us, and to everyone we know who participates. It build physical fitness, toughness, tenacity, and teamwork (and let’s not forget it’s FUN). We partner with organizations to help build community on and off the ice. Our goal is to help provide ice time, equipment, mentorship and coaching to those in need as well as assistance to families who are involved with or interested in the game of hockey.

The work UHF has done. It's just the start!

Hockey isn’t just a sport; it’s a community-building tool that transcends geographical boundaries and brings people together. We at The Urban Hockey Foundation strive to create initiatives within the game of hockey, propelling the sport towards greater inclusivity, accessibility, and opportunity. Through our dedication and commitment, the foundation has embarked on a journey to empower underserved communities and foster a love for hockey that knows no bounds.

In our pursuit of making a tangible impact, we seek to keep a track record of accomplishments that showcases our unwavering dedication to our mission:

1. Fostering Literacy and Love for Hockey:

The foundation kicked off our journey by fully funding a youth reading workshop centered around the book ‘Hockey is for Everybody’ by Anthony Walsh. We provided over 30 books and bookmarks, ensuring that each student could take home their own copy. This initiative cleverly combined education and sports, creating a synergy that promotes not only reading skills but also a passion for ice hockey.

2. Skating Towards Success:

A significant stride towards inclusivity was marked by the foundation’s funding and sponsorship of the ‘Learn to Skate’ program, aptly named ‘Hockey is for Everybody,’ in the Twin Cities. The commitment to teaching skating skills extends beyond this, with free Learn to Skate sessions held in various rinks across Detroit. Moreover, we helped to cover all USA Hockey registration costs, breaking down financial barriers and allowing more aspiring players to step onto the ice.

3. From Detroit to Kenya:

The Urban Hockey Foundation’s impact isn’t confined to a single location. Our efforts reached the global stage, as we donated nearly $5,000 USD to the Kenya Ice Lions. This grassroots fundraising initiative exemplifies the foundation’s reach and commitment to supporting ice hockey even in unexpected places.

4. Empowering Kenya’s Ice Hockey Dreams:

Partnering with renowned hockey equipment brands Warrior and Renfrew, the foundation managed to provide essential gear to the Kenya Ice Lions. Donating youth sticks, helmets, gloves, goalie equipment, and other essentials, the foundation empowered young players in Kenya to pursue their passion with proper equipment.

5. Supporting Special Olympics and Community Outreach:

The Urban Hockey Foundation also demonstrated our commitment to community support by fundraising for the Special Olympics of Michigan through the annual Polar Plunge in the Detroit River. This also extended to local initiatives, such as donating gear to various organizations throughout Southeast Michigan and sponsoring individual players to attend youth hockey camps.

6. Global Outreach and Accessible Opportunities:

The foundation’s influence isn’t confined to North America. Our involvement in Ecuador, Egyptian, Mongolian, and Argentinean ice hockey programs showcases our dedication to expanding the game’s reach worldwide. By donating gear and organizing fundraising games, we have shown our commitment to making hockey accessible to all corners of the globe.

7. Fostering Diversity and Inclusion:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion have always been at the core of the Urban Hockey Foundation’s mission. Our active involvement in committees like the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association’s DEI committee and partnerships with various organizations further solidifies our commitment to making hockey a sport for everyone, regardless of background or ability.

8. Uniting Through Unique Initiatives:

One of the foundation’s signature events, the Duster Classic, brings the sport to unique and unexpected locations. These events not only raise awareness and funds but also showcase the foundation’s innovative approach to spreading the love of hockey.

In a world where the power of sports often goes beyond the rink, the Urban Hockey Foundation stands as a prime example of how an organization’s passion and commitment can create lasting change. By breaking down barriers, promoting inclusivity, and instilling the love of hockey in communities around the world, the foundation is turning ice hockey into a truly universal language that unites people from all walks of life. Our accomplishments speak volumes about the impact that a dedicated group can have when they channel their efforts toward a greater cause.